OpenAccess is a method of using Microsoft Access to develop database applications quickly and effectively, without losing out on flexibility and last-minute changes. The size of the project is not an obstacle if it is properly organised. It can also be broken down into numerous independent or overlapping modules, as determined by the nature of the project. The number of users determines whether to use Access in File Server mode, or as a client to SQL Server.

Why OpenAccess?

For the End-User:

Easy to learn, easy to use;

Field formatting keeps data consistent;

Print preview saves paper, reduces errors;

Find data easily;

Logical structure helps keep things straightforward.

For the Administrator:

Permission layers and groups keep data management simple;

Print to PDF, Export to Excel;

Support for email and SMS messaging;

Roll out new program versions easily through automatic version checking;

Security model can be tight or loose depending on requirements;

Underlying user tracking and audit trail support.

For the Technical Support person:

Easy to install;

Support for stand-alone and networked versions;

Minimal server requirements;

Easy to backup and maintain data;

Access97 is fast and efficient, even on older machines;

Royalty-free workstation install keeps users away from raw data;

Works fine with laptop encryption such as Truecrypt.

For the Database Developer:

Correct data structure builds powerful programs;

Data structure changes can be managed in a consistent way;

Wizards can be used to simplify complex tasks;

Data-driven security levels and layers;

Consistent user interface and experience;

Custom programming survives data structure changes;

Support for multiple modules from a common data structure;

Client-Server (SQL) or File-Server (Access) options;

Data encryption available for text fields;

Complete source code accessible to developer;

Send email (SMTP) directly from forms or wizard;

Send and Receive SMS messages using SMSQ software;

Synchronise or transfer data using DataMover.

The combination of all these factors leads to end users who don't hate the application, technical support people who are not overwhelmed by a complex system, administrators who are in control of their own data, and developers who can deliver value, consistency and a rich application without having to reinvent the wheel.

The current usable version is called Miami, and is in use by Black and White Inc and others for database development. You need to sign the Non-Disclosure Agreement, in order to use it. It only works with Access97, but the next version will support later versions of Access.